Yuan An, courtesy name Shao Gong, was from Runan, Ruyang. His grandfather Yuan Liang studied the "Mengzi Yi" and was recommended as a distinguished scholar during the reign of Emperor Ping of Han, becoming a personal attendant to the Crown Prince. In the early years of Emperor Jianwu of Han, he became magistrate of Chengwu County.
Yuan An inherited his grandfather's studies from a young age. He was serious and dignified, highly respected in the local area. Initially serving as a county officer, he received official documents to be delivered somewhere, when someone attempted to use him to deliver a private letter. Yuan An replied, "Official matters have their own channels for delivery; private letters are not the responsibility of a county officer." He firmly refused, causing the person to quickly back off. Later, Yuan An was recommended as a filial and virtuous official, serving as the magistrate of Yinping County and Rencheng County successively. Wherever he went, both officials and common folk respected and admired him.
In the thirteenth year of Yongping, King Ying of Chu plotted a rebellion, and the case was sent back to the county for a retrial. The following year, all three court departments recommended Yuan An for his skill in handling complex cases, and he was appointed as the Prefect of Chu County. At that time, thousands were implicated in King Ying's case, which infuriated Emperor Han Xianzong. The officials hurriedly tried the cases, and many were coerced into falsely confessing, leading to numerous deaths. Upon taking office, Yuan An first reviewed the case files instead of going to the prefectural office, clarified the unclear evidence, and reported to the court one by one. The deputy, assistant, and historian of the prefectural office opposed him and knelt in protest, saying that he was shielding the rebels and should be held accountable with them. Yuan An said, "If there are any inappropriate aspects, the responsibility will be borne by me as the Prefect, and it will not affect you." He then reported the situation in detail to the emperor. The emperor was moved and immediately approved his report, resulting in the release of more than four hundred households. Over a year later, Yuan An was summoned to be the Intendant of Henan. He was known for his strict governance yet never punished anyone for corruption or bribery. He often said, "Those who study to become officials aspire to be prime ministers, while those at lower levels hope to be local officials. In times of peace and prosperity, imprisoning and framing people is something I, as the Intendant of Henan, cannot do." Those who heard his words were deeply moved and self-motivated. During his ten-year tenure, the capital was marked by solemnity, and his reputation spread throughout the court. In the eighth year of Jianchu, he was promoted to Grand Minister. In 807 AD, Meng Yun, the Prefect of Wuwei, reported to the emperor, "The northern nomadic tribes have made peace with us, yet they are now raiding in the south. The Northern Chanyu claims that the Great Han has deceived him and is planning to invade our borders. We should send the captured people back to appease them." The emperor ordered the officials to discuss this matter in court.
Most ministers believed that the northern nomadic tribes were deceptive and insatiable, and even if people were sent back to them, they would use it as an excuse to become more arrogant, so their requests should not be agreed to. Only one person, An Lushan (should be An Lushan's remnant party or official with the same name after the An Shi Rebellion, the original text does not specify), said: "The northern nomadic tribes send envoys to offer gifts and seek marriage. If they capture our people at the border, they will willingly return them to the Great Han Dynasty. This indicates they fear our strength rather than breaking previous agreements. Meng Yun (孟云) is a high-ranking minister responsible for border affairs and should not betray the northern tribes. Sending people back can show the generosity of our Great Han Dynasty and allow the border people to live in peace and prosperity. This is the best way to do it."
After hearing this, Minister Huan Yu (司徒桓虞) changed his mind and agreed with An Lushan's opinion. Grand Commandant Zheng Hong and Minister of Works Di Wu Lun were very angry. Zheng Hong loudly rebuked Huan Yu, saying, "Those who advocate sending people back are all unfaithful!" Huan Yu sharply reprimanded him on the spot. Di Wu Lun and the Grand Herald Wei Biao both turned pale. The Prefect submitted a memorial accusing An Lushan and others, who subsequently offered their resignations and apologies.
Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty replied: "This matter has been discussed for a long time, and everyone has different opinions. Eventually, the matter can be decided, and the strategy can be determined. Everyone can express their own opinions, which adheres to proper protocol. But suppressing each other, not speaking to each other, is not beneficial for the court! Why are you so angry and want to resign? Put on your hats and shoes, and return!" The Emperor eventually adopted An Lushan's suggestion. The following year, Di Wu Lun was removed from his position as Minister of Works. In 808 AD, Huan Yu was removed from his position as Minister of State.
Emperor He had just ascended to the throne, and Empress Dowager Dou took charge of the government. Empress Dowager Dou's brother, General Dou Xian, the Commander of Chariots and Cavalry, led troops to fight against the Xiongnu. Emperor An, along with Grand Commandant Song You, Minister of Works Ren Wei, and nine other officials, submitted a memorial advising Empress Dowager Dou that the Xiongnu had not invaded our borders at all, and there was no need to unnecessarily mobilize troops, wasting the country's resources by going so far to fight a war and seek glory. However, their memorials were repeatedly ignored. Song You grew fearful and refrained from further involvement, and other ministers also retreated. Only Emperor An and Ren Wei stood firm in their opinions, even arguing ten times in court without their hats on! Empress Dowager Dou remained unmoved, causing everyone to worry for them, but Emperor An remained calm and composed, showing no signs of panic.
After Dou Xian went on the expedition, his brothers, Guard Commander Dou Du and Commandant of the Capital Dou Jing, abused their power in the capital by extorting money from the common people. Dou Jing even misused the postal service to issue orders to various border counties, recruiting elite soldiers. Officials from Yuyang, Yanmen, and Shanggu counties had to select and send their chosen men to Dou Jing's residence. Other officials were too afraid to speak up. Emperor An accused Dou Jing of unauthorized mobilization of border troops, intimidating officials, and those officials who obeyed Dou Jing's orders without higher approval faced execution! He also accused the Chief of the Imperial Police and the Intendant of Henan of colluding with the powerful and showing no integrity, and requested their dismissal and punishment. However, these memorials were also ignored and went unanswered.
Dou Xian and Dou Jing have become increasingly arrogant, installing their relatives and friends in key positions across various provinces, extorting the populace and exchanging bribes among themselves, with other states and counties following suit. Emperor An and Ren Wei once again impeached a group of officials holding the rank of 2,000 stones, resulting in the demotion or dismissal of over forty officials, which infuriated the Dou clan. However, because Emperor An and Ren Wei usually conduct themselves with integrity, the Dou clan can’t retaliate against them.
Dou Xian was once again appointed to a military position in Wuwei. The following year, the Northern Chanyu was defeated by Geng Kui and retreated to Wusun, leaving the northern border barren and unguarded, with the remaining tribes not knowing where to go. Dou Xian, known for his tendency to boast about his achievements, submitted a memorial to the court proposing the appointment of the surrendered Left Lu Li King Altun as the new Northern Chanyu, and dispatched a general to oversee him, similar to their previous treatment of the Southern Chanyu. This proposal was deliberated by court officials, with ten, including Grand Commandant Song You, Grand Minister Ding Hong, and Palace Attendant Geng Bing, all in agreement.
However, Ren Wei, Emperor An's teacher, opposed this and submitted a memorial stating: "Emperor Guangwu pacified the Southern Xiongnu not with the intention of permanently stabilizing the interior, but as a temporary measure to defend against the Northern Xiongnu. Now that the northern border has been pacified, the Southern Chanyu should return to his original North Court and manage the surrendered tribes, without needing to appoint Altun as Chanyu, which would only increase state expenses." The Director of Ceremonies Liu Fang and Minister of Agriculture Yin Mu also agreed with Ren Wei's opinion. Despite the submissions of the memorials, the issue remained unresolved. Emperor An feared that Dou Xian's plan might ultimately be enacted, so he drafted a separate memorial containing the following:
I heard that some merits are difficult to predict and cannot be foreseen in advance; some matters are easy to judge, obvious, and without doubt. Your Majesty, consider this: Emperor Guangwu initially established the Southern Chanyu to appease the south and pacify the north; his strategy was exceptionally well-considered, which led to the division of the Xiongnu and the maintenance of peace along the borders. Emperor Xiaoming inherited the aspirations of his predecessor and did not dare to deviate, decisively dispatched troops to campaign against the north. During the Zhanghe period, over 100,000 individuals surrendered; some proposed resettling them along the borders, stretching eastward to Liaodong. Grand Commandant Song You and Palace Attendant Geng Bing both believed this would contradict the original intention of appeasing the Southern Chanyu and was impractical, and the late emperor concurred with their counsel. Now Your Majesty has inherited the great achievements of your predecessor, expanding the territory on a large scale, with the Grand General leading an expeditionary army to subdue the Northern Court. This is indeed a magnificent continuation and enhancement of the ancestral legacy! It is crucial to carefully consider the consequences to fulfill the original plan. Think about it: the father of the Southern Chanyu has remained loyal since receiving imperial favor; it has been over forty years, passed down through three generations of emperors before reaching Your Majesty. Your Majesty ought to honor the aspirations of your predecessor and realize their ambitions. Moreover, the Chanyu initiated this grand plan, completely eliminating the enemies in the north. Should you abandon this endeavor midway and establish a new surrendering Chanyu, solely prioritizing immediate gains, it contradicts the strategies of two generations of your ancestors, betrays those who have received imperial favor for many years, establishing a regime devoid of merit. Song You and Geng Bing are indeed familiar with the previous strategies, yet they wish to disregard the late emperor’s grace.
Speaking and acting are the keys to a gentleman's conduct in society, while rewards and punishments are the principles for ruling a nation. The Analects states: "Be honest and trustworthy, respectful and cautious, and even in foreign lands, one can still be accepted." If we betray the Southern Chanyu, then other minority groups will no longer believe in our vows. Moreover, the Wuhuan and Xianbei have just killed the Northern Chanyu, and the common sentiment is fear of enemies. If we were to appoint his brother as the Chanyu, both of these tribes would hold a grudge. While we can save on troops and provisions, trust should never be compromised. Furthermore, the customary annual cost for the Southern Chanyu is over 190 million coins, and for the Western Regions, it is 74.8 million coins. Now, the Northern Territories are even farther away, so costs would more than double, which would drain the nation's resources without being a sound strategy.
After the imperial decree was issued, An He and Xian debated fiercely, each standing firm. Xian was reckless and arrogant, relying on his power, speaking arrogantly and even defaming An, citing the examples of Emperor Guangwu's executions of Han Xin and Dai She to intimidate An. However, An remained steadfast in his opinion. In the end, Xian appointed the surrendered Hun general, Prince Yulu, as the Chanyu, but he later rebelled, proving An's strategy to be correct.
It is said that the young emperor, under the control of powerful relatives, would always cry uncontrollably when discussing state affairs with the ministers, shedding tears profusely. Both the emperor and the ministers relied heavily on him. In the spring of the fourth year, An passed away, leaving the entire court in deep mourning.
Several months later, the Dou clan lost its power, and the emperor began to personally handle state affairs. Remembering An's evaluations of the ministers—who was righteous and who was evil—he promoted An's son, An Shang, to the position of Minister. He also dismissed Song You from his position and appointed Yin Mu as Grand Commandant and Liu Fang as Minister of Works. Yin Mu, a native of Henan, died while in office, while Liu Fang, from Pingyuan, was later dismissed for misconduct, returned home, and eventually took his own life.
In earlier years, An's father passed away, and her mother sent An to find a suitable burial site. On the way, she met three scholars, who asked An where she was going. An told them the story, and the three scholars pointed to a spot and said, "Bury him here, and your family will thrive in the future." After they said this, they vanished, leaving An puzzled. So she buried her father there, and the An family prospered for generations. An's sons, An Jing and An Chang, were the most famous.
An Jing, whose style name was Zhongyu, was well-versed in the Book of Changes and authored a 300,000-word work titled "Difficult to Remember." He was initially appointed as a Langzhong, gradually promoted to Shizhong, and later served as the Governor of Shu County.
His son, An Peng, whose style name was Bochu, inherited his father's academic achievements from a young age and successively served as the Governor of Guanghan and the Governor of Nanyang. During the early years of Emperor Shun of Han’s reign, he served as Minister of Works, went to Qinghe to manage official business, lived a frugal life, ate simple grains, wore plain clothes, and eventually attained the rank of Yilang. Minister Hu Guang and others praised his integrity, comparing him to officials of the previous dynasty. Although he did not receive a posthumous title, people at the time mourned for him.
An Peng's younger brother, An Tang, whose style name was Zhonghe, inherited the family’s scholarly teachings from a young age, and many scholars praised his character. He held several significant official positions. In the early years of Emperor Huan of Han’s reign, he served as Minister of Works, participated in the formulation of the strategy to appoint the Marquis of Anguo Ting, and was granted a fief comprising five hundred households. Later, he was promoted to Minister of Works and Grand Commandant, but was dismissed due to calamities. After his death, he was posthumously conferred the title of Marquis of Kang.
An Tang's eldest son, An Cheng, who rose to the rank of Left Middle General, passed away young; his second son, An Feng, succeeded to the title.
An Feng, styled Zhouyang, as his ancestors had been high officials for three generations, was generous, honest, and very famous at the time. After Emperor Ling of Han ascended to the throne, An Feng participated in discussions as the Grand Master of the Horse, and his fief was expanded to include three hundred households. Later, he served as Minister of Works (Sikong) and died while holding the position of Commandant of Justice. The court treated An Feng with special favor because he had previously served as one of the Three Elders, bestowing upon him precious jewels and artifacts, twenty-six varieties of exquisite dishes, and appointing the Colonel of the Palace Guard (Wuguan Zhonglangjiang) to issue an edict, awarding him the insignia of a General of Chariots and Cavalry, the title of "Specially Advanced," and posthumously naming him Marquis Xuanwen. His son An Ji inherited the title and rose to the position of Grand Master of the Horse.
My ancestor Feng Shu attained a prominent position at a young age, and his father was a high-ranking official among the Three Excellencies. At that time, Yuan She, a member of the Yuan family and a relative of Feng Shu, held significant power in the court. Because both the Feng and Wei families were generations of prime ministers, the Yuan family especially valued Feng Shu and Wei Shu, viewing them as valuable allies. Therefore, the Yuan family was extremely powerful and wealthy at the time, setting them apart from other officials and nobles. When Emperor Xian of Han had just ascended to the throne, Wei Shu even became the Grand Tutor.
My father, Cheng Zishao, son of Feng Shu, has his deeds recorded. Later, Dong Zhuo, angered by the betrayal of Cheng Zishao and Cheng Zishu, killed Wei Shu and Ji, the brother of Cheng Zishu, along with their families, totaling more than twenty people.
My father, Chang Shu, who was styled Shuping, became proficient in the Book of Changes at a young age and taught it to others. With his father's connections, he became an attendant to the Crown Prince. During the reign of Emperor He, he successively served as a general, a grandee, and a member of the imperial secretariat (Shizhong). Later, he was appointed as the Administrator of Dong Commandery, then summoned back to the court to serve as the Grand Master of the Horse and the Prefect of the Imperial Clan. In the third year of Wu Chu, he succeeded Liu Kai as Minister of Works. The following year, because his son, Zhang Jun, a Gentleman of the Imperial Library, had close associations and leaked palace secrets, he was dismissed. My father was upright and incorruptible, never flattering the powerful, and offended Empress Dowager Deng. Ultimately, he succumbed to depression and took his own life.
Zhang Jun, a native of Shu County, was very talented. He and his brother Zhang Kan both served as shangshu lang, showing brilliance at a young age. At that time, the court gentlemen Zhu Ji and Ding Sheng engaged in misconduct. Zhang Jun wanted to accuse them, which made Zhu Ji and Ding Sheng very afraid. They sent court gentlemen Chen Zhong and Lei Yi to beg Zhang Jun to spare them, but Zhang Jun refused. They then secretly bribed an attendant to find faults with Zhang Jun, who discovered private letters between Zhang Jun and his father. The letters were presented to the emperor, resulting in Zhang Jun and his father being imprisoned and sentenced to death. Zhang Jun wrote a letter in his defense while in prison, but a verdict had already been reached in his case. The Minister of Justice was about to take him out of the city for execution when Empress Dowager Deng ordered a pardon to be quickly delivered, reducing his punishment. Zhang Jun wrote a letter in another person's name to express his heartfelt gratitude, saying: "I, Zhang Jun, am deserving of a thousand deaths. I have received the emperor's great grace and escaped death. I am deeply grateful and have no way to repay. Your Majesty's grace, remembering that I served by your side and knew your appearance, worrying about me, is truly beyond measure. The heavens and earth gave birth to me, but cannot bring me back from death. Your Majesty's virtue transcends that of the heavens and earth, and your grace towards parents is unmatched. It is unworthy of me, Zhang Jun, to pen these words, but I cannot help but feel alive after facing death, overwhelmed with joy and gratitude." Everyone at the time felt regretful for his writings. The court therefore casually dealt with his crimes, concealed the cause of his death, gave him a lavish burial with the rites of the Three Dukes, and restored his official position. His son was called Xu.
Xu later became the Grand Minister of Rites. At that time, General Liang Ji held all the power, and everyone in the court and outside aligned themselves with him. Only Xu and the Prefect of Handan dared to maintain their integrity. When Emperor Huan executed Liang Ji, he even sent Xu to collect Liang Ji's seal and ribbon, a fact recorded in detail in "The Biography of Liang Ji."
Hong, styled Xiafu, was the grandson of Peng Xuan, the magistrate of Pengcheng. He strived from a young age to cultivate his character, practiced diligently, and maintained strict self-discipline. His father, He, also served as the magistrate of Pengcheng. When Hong went to visit his father, he changed his name and surname, walked there on foot, and did not bring any luggage. When he arrived at the gate, the officials refused to acknowledge him for several days. By chance, his father's concubine came out, saw Hong, was taken aback, and hurried to inform his wife, who secretly called him in. When Hong wanted to leave, the household sent a carriage to fetch him, but he said he was dizzy and refused to ride. On his way back, no one in the district recognized him. After his father's death, Hong and his brothers received the coffin. He did not accept any gifts, wore coarse mourning garments, supported the coffin, endured the cold dew of dawn, growing thin and haggard, and his hands and feet were bloodied. Those who saw him felt sorry for him. After the mourning period, the court summoned him multiple times, but he refused. He lived in a modest and cramped dwelling, earning a living through agriculture and study. His uncles Feng and Kui held prominent positions, and they sent him gifts on several occasions, but he declined them all.
Hong saw the dangerous and chaotic world at that time, while his own family was wealthy and prominent. He often sighed to his brothers, "Our ancestors' blessings cannot be safeguarded by the virtue of future generations. Instead, they compete for extravagance and debauchery, and fight for power and profit in troubled times. This is just like the downfall of the Jin Dynasty!" As the calamity of the Partisan Prohibition was about to happen during the Yanxi period, Hong scattered all his family wealth and wanted to live in seclusion in the deep mountains and old forests. However, considering that his mother was old and not suitable for traveling far, he constructed a mud hut in the courtyard, with no doors at all, only a small window in the wall for receiving food. Every morning, he worshipped in the direction of the east for his mother. His mother missed Hong and would sometimes visit him. After his mother visited, he shut himself away, refusing to see his brothers or wives. After his mother passed away, he didn't even set up a memorial tablet or don mourning clothes for her. At that time, no one understood his actions, and some people thought he was crazy. He lived in seclusion for a total of eighteen years. When the Yellow Turban Uprising erupted and bandits invaded the counties, people fled in panic, but Hong remained steadfast, reciting scriptures unwaveringly. The bandits promised to stay away from his home, and people from the village sought refuge in his home; all of them managed to save their lives. He died in his mud house at the age of fifty-seven. His two younger brothers, Zhong and Hong, could not match his loyalty and integrity.
There was a man named Yuan Zhong, courtesy name Zhenfu, who was good friends with a fellow villager named Fan Pang. The two of them were involved in the Partisan Prohibition case together, but later, as noted in the "Biography of Fan Pang," nothing came of it. During the Chunping period, he became the magistrate of Pei County and traveled to his post in a humble reed cart. He was known for his integrity and earned a good reputation. Later, when chaos broke out in the world, Yuan Zhong resigned and sought refuge in Shangyu County, Kuaiji Commandery. One night, he saw the Commandant Wang Lang and a group of people dressed flamboyantly, which made him feel uneasy, so he pretended to be ill and stepped down. Later, when Sun Ce attacked Kuaiji, Yuan Zhong and his companions escaped by boat to Jiaozhi. After Emperor Xian of Han relocated the capital to Xuchang, he was called to serve as the Commandant of the Guards, but he passed away before assuming the position.
Another person named Yuan Hong, whose courtesy name was Shao Fu, was embarrassed by his prominent family background, so he changed his name, walked to seek a master, and refused the court's summons. In the end, he ended up living a quiet life at home.
Yuan Zhong's son, Yuan Bi, served as a minor official in the county. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Yuan Bi followed the governor Zhao Qian to battle, but the army was defeated. Yuan Bi and seven others, including Feng Guan, a fellow officer, fought valiantly to protect Zhao Qian, and all of them died in battle. The court issued an edict, granting their family the title of "Seven Sages."
Feng Guan, a person of integrity and ambition, could have been recommended for a position of honor, but since his older brother was not yet successful, he felt it was unseemly to take office first. He pretended to be sick, even mute, unable to speak. When his house caught fire, he slowly walked out to avoid the flames, gritting his teeth and saying nothing. Several years later, his brother finally received a recommendation for office, and Feng Guan then claimed to have recovered from his illness and went to serve as an official in the county.
The text mentions that Chen Ping was particularly skilled at scheming, but everyone knew he would eventually come to a bad end; Bing Ji was known for his kindness and good deeds, and Xiahou Sheng had already foreseen that his family would be ennobled for generations. In the end, Chen Ping gained nothing, while Bing Ji's family continued to serve as officials for generations. Although the situations were different, it's not a matter of right or wrong, but overall, the results were quite as expected. The Yuan family had a good relationship with the Dou family, demonstrating loyalty to the Han dynasty and serving as model ministers. The Yuan family never tortured or forced confessions from prisoners when handling cases in the Chu region; their compassion was truly admirable, and their descendants prospered, which was only natural.
Zhang Pu, whose courtesy name was Menghou, was from Xiyang in Runan, a descendant of Prince Zhao Zhang Ao. Zhang Ao's son Zhang Shou was enfeoffed in Chi Yang Township in Xiyang, but his title was eventually revoked, and he continued to live there. Overall, the stories of these families reflect the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and fate in a turbulent historical period.
Zhang Pu began studying "Shangshu" with his grandfather at a young age, inherited his family's scholarly legacy, and became a disciple of Huan Rong. He studied very hard, with hundreds of students studying under him. In the ninth year of Yongping, Emperor Ming of Han established a school for the four surnames, setting up a lecture hall for the "Five Classics" in Nangong. Zhang Pu was appointed as a teacher of "Shangshu" and often lectured in front of the emperor. Due to his insightful explanations, the emperor appointed him as a Langzhong and rewarded him with chariots, horses, and clothing. Later, he was also appointed to teach the Crown Prince.
As a person, Pu was upright, adhered to rules, and emphasized morality. Every time he served and explained to the emperor, he would often speak frankly and criticize any wrongdoing, causing others to fear him and view him as strict. Later, when Emperor Suzong ascended the throne, Pu was promoted to Shizhong and Hubei Zhonglang General. Feeling uneasy about the abrupt shift from serving the emperor closely to being sent away, he submitted a letter of resignation. In his memorial, he said, "I am merely a fool who knows little more than the classics. I have never held any official position while serving the emperor, and I do not understand how to handle government affairs. Now I am being asked to be a magistrate, managing a vast territory. I will definitely disappoint the emperor and bring shame upon myself. Personally, I never intended to leave the capital. I hope the emperor can continue to treat me kindly and allow me to hold a more relaxed position, so that everyone can feel at ease. I dare not hide anything I see or hear." The emperor replied, "The classics state, 'Even when you are away, your heart should remain with the court.' Serving as an official in the local area and managing the people is a valuable opportunity to serve the court. Say what needs to be said, regardless of distance. I am now granting you thirty thousand coins for travel expenses, so hurry up and take up your post!"
Zhang Pu, although a scholar, had a strong and decisive personality. After taking office, he promoted brave warriors with a sense of justice and cracked down on local tyrants. If a county magistrate killed a bandit, Zhang Pu would investigate because he believed that even if the magistrate had taken bribes, it still did not warrant a death penalty because the bandits were merely poor people who did not deserve execution. In Dongjun, there was an official named Wang Qing whose grandfather had rebelled against Wang Mang alongside the former governor Zhai Yi. When Zhai Yi was defeated and others surrendered, Wang Qing's grandfather continued to resist and was eventually burned to death by Wang Mang. His father, Wang Long, served as a clerk under a commander during the Jianwu period, while Wang Qing was a minor official at that time. When they were on patrol together, they encountered bandits on the road. Wang Qing's father died protecting the commander, and Wang Qing was shot in the throat, unable to speak due to thirst. The previous governor knew of the generations of loyalty in Wang Qing's family but had not promoted him. When Zhang Pu learned of this, he expressed his disbelief: "How can such a loyal family not be rewarded?" He then promoted Wang Qing to be his assistant and recommended in a memorial that Wang Qing's three generations of loyalty should be recognized. The memorial reached the Three Dukes, and eventually, the Minister of Works took notice and appointed him as an official.
After being summoned by the emperor, Zhang Pu's teachers would often say, "Zhang Pu used to be by my side as a tutor, always speaking frankly and advising sincerely, just like the loyal minister Shi Yu!" In the second year of Yuanhe, during the emperor's hunting expedition in the east, he gathered Zhang Pu, his students, and the local officials in the courtyard of Dongjun. The emperor first observed the etiquette for a teacher-student meeting, had Zhang Pu explain a chapter from the "Book of Documents," and then performed the rituals of ruler and subject. The rewards were lavish, and everyone benefited.
Zhang Pu served in the government for fifteen years, and in the early years of Emperor He, he was promoted to the position of Governor of Wei County. In Wei County, there was a man named Zheng Ju who was serving as the Colonel of the Capital at that time. He submitted a memorial accusing Chief Commander Dou Jing. Dou Jing later regained his official position and sent his subordinate Xia Meng to express his gratitude to Zhang Pu in private, saying, "Zheng Ju is a bad person; he has wronged me. I heard that his son, who holds an official position, is known for his reckless and unruly behavior. As long as his son is arrested, it will deter others." Zhang Pu was enraged by this, immediately arrested Xia Meng and imprisoned him, and also wrote a letter to the Chief Commander's office, suspecting that Xia Meng and Zheng Ju's son had a bad relationship, using Dou Jing's name to settle a personal score. Later, when a general amnesty was issued, Xia Meng was released.
After some time, Zhang Pu was called up by the court to serve as the Prefect of Henan. People from Dou Jing's family again assaulted the market officials, and the government arrested them. Dou Jing was very angry, so he dispatched five hundred men, including Hou Hai, to attack the market supervisor. Zhang Pu's officials, led by Yang Zhang, investigated the matter and held Hou Hai accountable, exiling him to Shuofang. Dou Jing, harboring resentment, wrote a letter requesting the transfer of Yang Zhang and five others to the Chief Commander's office as an act of revenge. Yang Zhang and the others were very afraid and quickly reported to Zhang Pu, requesting to accept the blame and decline Dou Jing's transfer. Zhang Pu immediately reported this to the court. In response, Empress Dowager Dou issued a decree: "From now on, the Chief Commander's office must not transfer officials without prior approval."
After the Dou clan fell, Pu wrote to the emperor: "I confess I am foolish and did not think things through. Although the Dou clan deserved their punishment, the details of their crimes have not been fully uncovered. Future generations only know that they were executed, but do not understand the specific reasons. This doesn't help set a good example for the country or provide a lesson for future generations. Judicial officials should investigate thoroughly so that everyone understands the truth of this matter. People like Fang Xian become arrogant and overbearing due to their favoritism. The ministers all flatter them, fearing to fall behind. They all say that Fang Xian is entrusted by the emperor, with the loyalty of Yi Yin and Lv Shang, even comparing him to Deng Yu's mother. Now that severe punishment has been implemented, everyone says they deserve to die, without considering the causes and consequences, or exploring their true intentions. I have found that Xia Yanghou Gui has always been loyal and kind. He once told me that he has always been determined to be loyal to the country, and he is strict in disciplining guests and has never committed any wrongdoing. I heard that the royal family resolves internal conflicts based on the 'three pardons' principle, being lenient when appropriate and strict when necessary, avoiding extremes. Now everyone wants to appoint a strict official to supervise Gui, but he might feel overwhelmed and could ultimately face execution. Some leniency should be shown to reflect the court's compassion." The emperor was moved by Pu's words and only transferred Xia Yanghou Gui to another estate for his retirement.
In the fifth year of the Yongyuan era, Pu was promoted to Grand Master of Ceremonies. Several months later, he took over as Grand Commandant from Yin Mu. He repeatedly submitted requests to resign, citing poor health, and recommended the Wei County Prefect Xu Fang to take over his position. The emperor disagreed, sending eunuchs to inquire about his illness and sent him valuable food and wine, rewarding him with 300,000 coins. Pu simply pretended to be even sicker. At that time, his son Fan was serving as a palace scholar, and the emperor sent a little eunuch to tell Fan: "Now that the balance of yin and yang is disrupted, the people of the world are suffering. The court hopes that you can seriously consider the gains and losses and work together with the country in unity. How can you feign illness to shirk your responsibilities and want to resign from your position? Who else can share the burden with me? This is no easy task, like the saying goes, 'to break gold with just a glance'! The Minister of Works is in poor health, and the Minister of Works is old. Don't let me find out that you are pretending to be sick!" Pu was scared and quickly went to the palace to apologize, and then went back to work.
Despite Pu's high position, his father lived in the countryside. Whenever Pu received a promotion, he would return to the capital. Once, Pu's father came to the capital to see him, just in time for the New Year. Court officials, on holiday, visited Pu's house to toast and celebrate his father's birthday. Everyone had a wonderful time and stayed until it got dark. Everyone admired their deep father-son relationship. Later on, Pu's father passed away. After the burial, the emperor sent gifts of cattle and wine so that he could hold a funeral ceremony.
I met Colonel Yan in the court and casually mentioned to him, "Many officials in the three prefectures are not suitable candidates." I thought I was just speaking privately, but he went ahead and reported it, which left me quite displeased. Later, we met at the palace entrance, and I rebuked him. He spoke back disrespectfully, so I scolded him in the court. He then turned around and accused me of harboring resentment. The Emperor, aware that I had been the late Emperor's teacher, ordered the officials and scholars to deliberate on the matter. Minister Lu Gai stated that, as a high-ranking official, I should have known the rules of the court and waited for the Emperor's decree, instead of showing displeasure and arguing with envoys, setting a bad example for the populace. Therefore, the Emperor dismissed me from my position. I returned to my hometown, dismissed my attendants, and closed my doors to visitors, no longer receiving guests. General He Chang and many others advocated on my behalf, praising my loyalty and the Emperor's favor towards me. Sixteen years later, I was appointed as a Grand Minister. A few months later, I succeeded Lu Gong as Minister. A month later, I passed away peacefully. The Emperor, dressed in plain clothes, came to pay his respects, granting me a burial site and many rewards, bestowing greater honors than on other prime ministers. Before my death, I instructed my son, "Keep the tomb sweeping simple, to promote thriftiness among the people. I held high positions, but failed to uphold righteousness and ensure officials follow the law, so how can we not pay attention to thriftiness? Do not build temples, just a simple shed for offerings." My great-grandson Ji, a scholar of Confucianism, served as Minister during the Guanghe era, but resigned because of ill health. After his death, Emperor Ling posthumously appointed him as General of Chariots and Cavalry, Count of Guannei. That year, the Emperor acknowledged Ji's contributions and conferred the title of Marquis of Caiyang Township upon his son Gen. Ji's younger brother Xi also held the position of Minister during the Chuping era.
Han Leng, courtesy name Bo Shi, was a native of Wuyang in Yingchuan and a descendant of the noble family of the Marquis of Gong Gao. His family was well-respected in the local community. His father, Han Xun, served as the Prefect of Longxi during the Jianwu period. Han Leng became an orphan at the age of four, but he was filial to his stepmother and got along well with his brothers, earning a good reputation. As he grew up, he divided the millions of family properties left by his late father among his brothers, earning even more respect from the people in his village. He initially served as a county official, and when the county governor, Ge Xing, suffered a stroke and was unable to handle government affairs, Han Leng took over his duties in secret and managed them flawlessly for two years without any mistakes. Ge Xing's son wanted to appoint officials, but Han Leng strongly disagreed, which angered Ge Xing's son, who then reported Han Leng. After an investigation, some alleged that Han Leng had concealed Ge Xing's illness and abused his authority in handling county affairs, which resulted in his imprisonment. Later, Emperor Han Xianzong learned of his loyalty and issued a decree pardoning him. Subsequently, he was summoned by the court multiple times, earning several promotions and eventually being appointed as the Minister of Works. Along with the Minister of Works Zhi Shou and the Minister Chen Chong, they were all renowned as capable officials of their time. Emperor Suzong once rewarded the ministers with precious swords, and only these three individuals received them. The Emperor personally wrote: "Han Leng, the strategist from Longyuan; Zhi Shou, the talented scholar of Shu; and Chen Chong, the kind and humble man from Jinan." People praised Han Leng for his foresight, Zhi Shou for his talent, and Chen Chong for his integrity and humility during that period.
After Emperor Han He ascended the throne, the court official Dou Xian ordered an assassination on Chang, the Marquis of Du Xiang, the son of King Qi Shang, at the East Gate. The authorities, fearing Dou Xian, shifted the blame onto Chang's brothers. The Emperor ordered an attendant imperial censor to investigate the matter in Qi State. Han Leng submitted a memorial arguing that the culprit was in the capital, and there was no need to investigate from afar, as it would be a laughingstock and could be taken advantage of by treacherous officials. Empress Dowager Dou was very angry and severely rebuked Han Leng, but he insisted on his opinion. Later, the truth eventually came to light, just as he had said. Dou Xian was frightened and requested the Empress Dowager to send troops to attack the Northern Xiongnu as an act of atonement. Han Leng submitted another memorial advising her against it, but the Empress Dowager did not listen. Later, Dou Xian won a battle, became a grand general, and had great power, leading troops to garrison Wuwei once again.
Later, the Emperor went to the western suburbs to worship the tombs, decreeing that Dou Xian meet the imperial entourage in Chang'an. When Dou Xian arrived in Chang'an, officials below the rank of the chief secretary intended to pay their respects and shout "long live." Han Leng solemnly said, "One should not flatter the emperor above, nor be disrespectful to the people below; there is no such thing as a subject shouting 'long live'." Those officials stopped in embarrassment. The deputy chief secretary Wang Long privately sent beef and wine to Dou Xian, which led to Wang Long being punished with banishment. Han Leng recommended excellent officials multiple times in court, such as Ying Shun, Lv Zhang, Zhou Yu, etc., who were all quite renowned at the time. Later, the Dou family fell from power, and Han Leng was responsible for investigating the matter, conducting an in-depth investigation, tracing the party members, and working tirelessly for several months. The Emperor believed he was putting the country before his family and rewarded him with three hundred bolts of cloth.
Lao Zhang became the Prefect of Nanyang, allowing him to return home to worship his ancestors and sweep the tombs, a great honor in the eyes of the villagers. After taking office, he cracked down harshly on criminals, causing the entire county to be too scared to act recklessly. His political achievements were outstanding, and the people enjoyed peace and prosperity. Several years later, he was appointed to the central government as the Grand Protector. In the winter nine years later, he succeeded Zhang Fen as the Minister of Works. The following year, he sadly passed away.
His son Zhang Fu served as the Chancellor of the Zhao Kingdom during the reign of Emperor An. Zhang Fu's grandson, Zhang Yan, became the governor of Danyang during the reign of Emperor Shun, noted for his outstanding achievements and good reputation. During the reign of Emperor Huan, he was appointed as the Minister of Personnel. Later, when the Grand General Liang Ji was killed, Zhang Yan was implicated because of his connections to Liang Ji. Although he was convicted, his punishment was eventually commuted, allowing him to return to his hometown. He was later summoned by the court once more and appointed as the Colonel of the Inspectorate.
Zhou Rong, styled Pingsun, hailed from Shu County in Lujiang. During the reign of Emperor Su, he was recommended after passing the civil service examinations and began working at the residence of the Minister of Personnel, Yuan An. Yuan An often engaged him in discussions about state affairs and valued his input highly. Zhou Rong drafted the memorials accusing Dou Jing and his involvement in the dispute over the appointment of the Northern Chanyu, which were submitted by Yuan An. Dou's chief advisor, the Commandant Xu Ji, harbored a deep resentment against Zhou Rong and threatened him, saying, "You provide counsel for Lord Yuan, accuse the Dou family; the ruthless warriors and assassins of the Dou family are lurking everywhere in the city, be careful!" Zhou Rong replied, "I am merely an ordinary man from the Jianghuai region, who has received the late Emperor's favor and has served as magistrate in two cities. Now I have the opportunity to serve the court; even if I am killed by the Dou family, I am willing." Therefore, he often instructed his wife and children that if he suddenly met with misfortune, not to bury him, hoping that his rotting corpse would catch the court's attention. Later, with the fall of the Dou family, Zhou Rong's reputation skyrocketed. He rose from being a county magistrate in Yan to the Prefect of the Masters of Writing but was later imprisoned for legal violations. Emperor He, in recognition of his loyalty and integrity, transferred him to Gong County as magistrate. More than a year later, he was appointed as the governor of Shanyang. Wherever he went, his accomplishments were widely praised. Later, due to old age and illness, he requested retirement and passed away at home. The court awarded him two hundred thousand coins and appointed his son Zhang Xing as a Langzhong.
When Zhou Xing was young, he had already gained considerable fame. During the Yongning period, Minister Chen Zhong recommended Zhou Xing in a memorial, saying, "Privately, I believe that in ancient times, emperors issued orders using elegant language and ornate expressions that have been passed down through the generations and recorded in the classics. Therefore, Confucius praised the writings of Tang Yao and Yu Shun, and admired the literary governance of the Zhou dynasty. Privately, I discovered that Zhou Xing, the Guangluo Lang, is filial and friendly, already renowned within his family, with a clear and upright character, widely known in the counties and prefectures. He is well-versed in both ancient and modern texts, having studied classics like the 'Sanfen' and 'Wudian.' His writing is very accomplished. The Minister's role is to convey the emperor's orders, serving as the emperor's mouthpiece. We officials are often foolish and incompetent, while most other Lang officials are cultured but lack outstanding talent. Every time a decree is drafted and promulgated, we must request each other's opinions, or act on our own due to insufficient ability, leading to poorly crafted language. Zhou Xing possesses extraordinary talent, yet remains overlooked and unappreciated, which is truly regrettable." The emperor issued a decree appointing Zhou Xing as a Minister of State. Later, Zhou Xing passed away.
Zhou Xing's son was named Zhou Jing.
Zhou Jing's son was named Zhou Zhongxiang. He was summoned to serve in the mansion of the Grand General Liang Ji, gradually rising to the position of Governor of Yuzhou and Prefect of Henan. He valued virtuous individuals and cared for the people, constantly concerned that he was not doing enough. During every festival, he invited the recommended officials to the back hall for a banquet, only sending them off after several rounds of feasting. The gifts he presented were always generous. Afterward, he especially took care of the fathers, brothers, and sons of these people. As long as they performed well, he would elevate them. He often said, "Ministers and officials are equally worthy of respect; how can we not treat them well?" Before this, the Minister Han Yan served in Henan, dedicating himself entirely to public service, selecting officials based solely on their abilities, with a single word determining their fate, but his favors did not extend to their families. He said, "I recommended you, that's enough; how can I let your whole family benefit?" Consequently, people had varying opinions when discussing these two men.
Wow, Duke Jing! First, he was appointed as the Chief Engineer of the Royal Projects, equivalent to the Minister of Construction nowadays. Later, when Liang Ji was removed from power, Duke Jing was also dismissed and imprisoned for his previous working relationship with Liang Ji, barring him from holding any official positions. However, the court recognized Duke Jing's loyalty and integrity, so after some time, he was eventually reinstated as Chancellor, equivalent to the Prime Minister at that time. He was later promoted to the positions of Grand Herald and Minister of Justice, both high-ranking officials. Six years later, he succeeded Liu Chong as the Minister of Works, equivalent to the Deputy Prime Minister at that time.
During that period, eunuchs held great power in the court, and their relatives and friends filled various official positions. Shortly after taking office, Duke Jing, along with Grand Commandant Yang Bing, brought charges against numerous corrupt officials, from generals to local officials, which led to the dismissal of over fifty officials! This even implicated the Central Regular Attendants, who were close to the emperor, and the Marquis of Fengdong, Lan, and the Marquis of Dongwuyang, Ju, were both removed from their posts. He was praised by both the court and the public for his actions! Duke Jing served as Minister of Works for two years, but following an earthquake, he voluntarily resigned. Over a year later, he succeeded Chen Fan as Grand Commandant, equivalent to the Minister of Defense at that time. In the first year of the Jianning era, Duke Jing passed away. Because he had previously participated in the strategy to establish Emperor Ling, he was posthumously honored as the Marquis of Anyang, a posthumous honor.
His eldest son Chongsi later became magistrate of Ganling County. The second son, Zhong, steadily rose through the ranks in his youth and eventually became the Grand Minister of Finance. Zhong's son, Hui, had previously served as the magistrate of Luoyang County but later resigned and returned home. These brothers enjoyed making friends and had great influence in the Jianghuai region, traveling in a grand procession of hundreds of carriages. After the emperor died, Hui heard that the capital was in turmoil, so he went to visit his uncle Zhong. Upon hearing this, Dong Zhuo became furious and dispatched soldiers to kill both brothers. Zhong, the second son of Duke Jing, later succeeded Huangfu Song as Grand Commandant while also overseeing the affairs of the Secretariat. He resigned due to some unusual events. He later became the Commandant of the Guards and returned to Luoyang alongside Emperor Xian.
In conclusion, Yuan Duke was steadfast and consistently loyal to his duties; his noble character earned him lasting favor. Meng Marquis was well-versed and served at the emperor's court; the brothers Leng and Rong were loyal to the monarch, with aspirations as high and lofty as those of hawks. (Praise: Yuan Duke was steadfast and sincere in his service. With his virtue never forgotten, he continued to enjoy favor for generations. Meng Marquis was well-versed, serving at the emperor's side. Leng and Rong served the monarch, their aspirations akin to those of hawks.)
